The new initiative aims to improve quality, affordability and the patient experience for approximately 40,000 individuals that are covered by a Cigna health plan and receive care from BSWQA physicians.

The collaboration is part of Cigna Collaborative Care, which is focused on improving health outcomes using population health strategies that include care coordination, data analytics and provider engagement.

"Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance looks forward to working with Cigna to advance population health initiatives that are already proving to change health care for the better," says Cliff Fullerton, MD, president of BSWQA.

"We continue to evolve the way we manage the health of patient populations and create a more nuanced care model that can be tailored to the specific needs of the Cigna customer. We are confident in our abilities to bring value through quality and efficiency improvements that will ultimately reduce costs, enrich the lives of members and benefit the communities we serve."

According to the statement, the new arrangement builds upon and expands a longstanding collaboration with Baylor Scott & White Health. The initiative includes BSWQA's accountable care organization (ACO), which comprises more than 5,000 primary and specialty care physicians, 48 hospitals, post-acute care facilities and other health care stakeholders agreeing to be jointly accountable for improving quality, managing the health of patient populations and reducing health care costs.

LaMonte Thomas, president of Cigna's North Texas market, said: "We've had a long and successful relationship with Baylor Scott & White Health and we're delighted to expand that relationship by bringing Cigna Collaborative Care to BSWQA patients who are Cigna customers.